Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the final line of defense against workplace hazards. According to OSHA, it is equipment worn to minimize exposure to risks that can cause serious injuries and illnesses. While employers should first use engineering and administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazards, PPE becomes crucial when those methods are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection. PPE should never be a substitute for more effective hazard controls, but rather the last resort to keep employees safe.
OSHA’s general requirements for PPE, outlined in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, states that employers must conduct a hazard assessment of their workplace to identify hazards that require the use of PPE. Following this assessment, employers must provide the appropriate PPE to their employees at no cost. This standard also mandates that the equipment be of a safe design, properly maintained, and fit comfortably to encourage worker use. Improperly fitting PPE can make the difference between being safely covered and dangerously exposed.
To help you better determine the need for PPE in your workplace, we recommend downloading and utilizing our PPE Assessment Checklist.
Click on either image to download.
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Sample Respiratory Protection Program
Respiratory Protection Decision Flowchart
Personal Protective Equipment Checklist
To learn more or to request enrollment, check out our Safety Education Online page.